Magdalena River Cruise in Colombia

Sign up by July 15!

Tour and travel Itinerary:

OCTOBER 23– CARTAGENA – Leave Chicago at 5:00 a.m. and arrive in Cartagena that afternoon, the beautiful capital of the Bolivar region located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Take the day to delight in the beautiful coastal city of Cartagena. Many Spaniards flocked to this location when they heard tales of gold found in the tombs of indigenous

leaders, expanding this small port into a thriving city. As you tour the city, you may witness iconic landmarks such as the Catedral de Cartagena or the stone walls built to protect the city from the plundering of pirates, although they did not stop Sir Francis Drake from holding the city ransom in 1586.

OCTOBER 24 -CARTAGENA - Start your day by exploring the incredible UNESCO-designated San Felipe Castle, the fortress that defended Cartagena from French and British attacks. As you walk through Cartagena, learn more about emeralds and the impact of these precious gemstones on the city’s history. In the afternoon, delve deeper into the enriching history of this Caribbean city as you visit the Gold Museum, which features ancient gold artifacts from the indigenous cultures found in this region. You will also visit the Caribbean Naval Museum. Follow the story of this fascinating country

and its incredible naval history from pre-Hispanic times until the present. (B)

OCTOBER 25 - CARTAGENA Embarkation - Before checking out of our hotel, tour the famous vaults of Cartagena. These vaults have gone through many transformations – from being Spanish headquarters to a prison for those seeking independence from Spain to the art galleries, restaurants and shops you can witness today. After settling into your stateroom, enjoy a tour through the breathtaking neighborhood of Getsemani. With

the vibrant colors of the homes and street art as well as the mouthwatering local delicacies that can be found throughout the area, this historic neighborhood will delight all your senses. In the evening, watch the sun set on Cartagena as we set sail on your magical Magdalena River journey (B, D)

OCTOBER 26 - GAMBOTE (PALENQUE) – CALAMAR - In the morning, experience the town of Palenque, the first “free town” in the Americas. Founded by those who fled a life of slavery during colonial times, the spirit and appearance of this town has been preserved through time. In 1713, the Spanish crown issued a Royal Decree that officially

freed the people of Palenque from slavery. Immerse yourself in the town’s deeply rooted culture and traditions, which are so distinct that UNESCO declared Palenque to be a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. An important piece of their heritage is the music and rhythmic style that was developed in this city, which you will enjoy during a special performance by local musicians. Later in the day, visit Calamar. Located at the entrance of the Canal del Dique, this town was first settled in 1840. Witness historic sites such as the Iglesia de la Inmaculada Conception as you tour this beautiful destination by paola (a bicycle taxi for two). (B, L, D)

OCTOBER 27 - SANTA BARBARA DE PINTO – MOMPOX Spend your morning in Santa Barbara de Pinto, located on the banks of the Mompox arm of the Magdalena River. Enjoy a walking tour through this traditional town, where you may see local landmarks such as the Santa Barbara Church and enjoy intricate hand-made crafts created in the 

town. In the afternoon, arrive at the island town of Mompox, where you will be welcomed with open arms and lively music during an exclusive jazz performance played by local musicians. (B,L,D)

OCTOBER 28 – MOMPOX - A town frozen in time, Mompox embodies the appearance of what many villages looked like during colonial times. Founded in 1540, this remote village became an important Spanish trading post. Some Spaniards found Mompox to be a haven for keeping gold and other treasure protected from the pirates that pillaged coastal cities like Cartagena, and with this precious metal and the work of skilled artisans from Spain came beautifully crafted artifacts. Since then, the town has become famous for its incredible filigree jewelry, which you can learn more about during your tour of this town in the afternoon. While visiting the largest inland island in Latin America, journey

through the incredible ecological Ciénaga Pijiño region, exploring the massive lake that is home to a variety of flora and fauna native to the region. In the afternoon, take a stroll through this storied town on a guided walking tour. With stunning colonial churches, breathtaking nature surrounding the town, and delicious local delights such as capa cheese and butifarra, Mompox is sure to be a highlight of your journey along  he magnificent Magdalena River. (B, L, D)

OCTOBER 29 - MOMPOX – EL BANCO - Bid farewell to Mompox before embarking on a scenic cruise down one of the most breathtaking stretches of the Magdalena River – a picturesque part of the La Mojana region – and reaching the town of El Banco, nestled at the intersection of the Magdalena and César rivers. Founded in a strategic location for

both the native people and the Spaniards, the town was repeatedly destroyed in their struggles and then rebuilt atop its ashes. In 1749, a freed black slave named José Domingo Ortiz led a group of settlers to this special location, carrying with him a statue of the Virgin Mary, staking this place as their new home. Because of this connection, the Virgin of Candelaria — a special invocation of the Virgin Mary — is specially venerated in this region. Embark on a guided walking tour of this incredible destination and learn more about its history as the birthplace of cumbia, an iconic genre of music and dance that has now been popularized around the world. What began as a courtship dance practiced by African slaves later incorporated American steps and European and African instruments has become a worldwide sensation, which is especially popular in the Andean region of Colombia. In the evening, enjoy an exclusive dinner in town and witness an incredible cumbia performance by locals. (B, L, D)

OCTOBER 30 - MAGANGUE - Witness the sights, hear the bird calls, and watch the wildlife around you as you spend the day docked near Magangue. Immerse yourself in the presence of Colombian nature surrounding this city on a birdwatching tour, giving you a unique opportunity to see birds only found in this specific part of the country. You can also take a hiking tour through the picturesque cienaga, teeming with Colombian wildlife (B,L,D)

OCTOBER 31 NEUVA VENECIA – BARRANQUILLA - In the morning, visit the Floating Village of Nueva Venecia. A charming town filled with inviting locals, Nueva Venecia, or “New Venice,” can only be navigated by boat. With its beautiful colonial houses, vivid architecture and local sanctuary protecting the native flora and fauna, this town highlights the beauty and warmth of Colombia. Witness its splendor as you tour the

village. While here, explore this village and learn more about the lives of its people during a guided tour. Enjoy the traditional crafts and art that is on display, learn about the techniques the fishermen of Nueva Venecia use, and taste the local delicacies as you embrace this village and its unique culture. Later in the day, venture to the beautiful seaside city of Barranquilla, a vibrant destination home to notable musicians, writers and artists. Immerse yourself in the warmth and culture of the city’s atmosphere as you venture through this magnificent location, where you may visit famous landmarks

such as the bocas de cenizas, the point at which the magical Magdalena River meets the

breathtaking Caribbean Sea, and the “Carnaval” Museum, which showcases the unique history of this incredible festival. In the evening, enjoy an exclusive “Carnaval” celebration. (B,L,D)

NOVEMBER 1 Fly from Barranquillia to Chicago- 1:50 p.m. arrive in Chicago at 11:48 p.m.

Deadline for this trip is November 15 as the cruise cost goes up 15%. 

We’ll spend a night in Amsterdam prior to the cruise

Fri, April 24 – We’ll meet at O’Hare to begin our journey to Amsterdam - 6 p.m. flight In

flight meals

Saturday April 25- Arrive in Amsterdam at 10 a.m. and visit to places you’ve always wanted to see. Your hotel will be in the Museum District with easy access to everything this evening.

Sunday April 26- Enjoy Amsterdam with a transfer to the ship at 4 p.m. Settle in to your cabin and enjoy dinner this evening D

Mon, Apr 27 – This morning you may choose to join a tour of Amhem, voted “greenest city in Europe“ and immortalized in the movie “A Bridge Too Far”. It is now a thriving artists‘ town. Later today choose between the Open Air Museum and the Kröller-Müller-Museum, housing the second-largest collection of Van Gogh paintings in the world.

BLD

Tue, Apr 28 – We sail to Middelburg, capital of Zeeland province and seat of the Dutch East India Company 400 years ago. Some 1,200 listed buildings tell its story. In the afternoon, bike to Vlissingen to explore the picturesque Zeeland coastline, or embark on a culinary tour through the historic trading town of Veere. BLD

Wed, Apr 29 – This morning in Ghent admire architecture preserved since the late Middle Ages and visit 13th century residence of the Counts of Flanders, the Gravensteen or “Castle of the Counts“. In the afternoon visit Bruges, with its cobbled streets, crooked bridges, meandering canals and World Heritage medieval buildings. Bruges is famous for its brews, boutique chocolate-makers and canal-side bars. There’s also the Basilica of the Holy Blood with Romanesque church below and neo-Gothic church above. BLD

Thur, Apr 30 – Today you may travel to Brussels. See the Atomium, created for the 1958

World’s Fair.
Visit the Cinquantenaire Park Triumphal Arch, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Belgium’s independence. In the afternoon, explore Antwerp famous for its diamond trade, the city also boasts many cultural highlights such as the Cathedral of Our Lady with paintings by Rubens. BLD

Fri., May 1 – Today we are off to Kinderdijk, which houses the most unique windmill complex in the world and is one of the Netherlands’ most tourist destinations. After lunch, explore the world–famous Keukenhof Gardens tulip fields . BLD

Sat, May 2 - Amsterdam welcomes you this morning with a cruise through the lovely canals while learning more about the city’s history and significance. After lunch you can visit Waterland where you will stop in the charming fishing villages of Volendam and Edam. Renowned for its cheeses, this is the perfect spot for an included cheese tasting…or go on a bike tour of the countryside. BLD

Sun, May 3 – Enjoy breakfast on board before transfer to the airport and return home